White Hmong girls watch others playing the ball throwing game of ‘pov pob’ at Ban Hauywai Hmong New Year festival, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. ‘Pov pob’ is a formalised courting ritual where unmarried men and women face each other in a line and toss cloth balls to one another using only one hand. The Hmong celebration of New Year is based on the lunar calendar. This important time is an opportunity to honour ancestors and spirits through offerings and rituals and to partake in games, sports, feasts, shows, bullfights and courtship. The Hmong are the third largest ethnic group in Laos. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.